Africa’s Rise Begins with Its Youth: Preparing Young People for the Future Starts Early

Africa’s future will be shaped by its young people. By 2030, nearly half of the world’s young people will live on the continent, yet realizing this potential will require more than mere talk and words. It will require investments in the next generation’s skills, leadership, and ability to shape change critical to the continent’s long-term prosperity and progress. This event will bring together policymakers, development leaders, philanthropists, and young leaders to explore a central question:

If we already know what works, why is change still so complicated – and what will it take to equip young people to turn solutions into action? 

The discussion will examine the role of youth leadership, advocacy, and accountability in building the public demand and political momentum needed to drive lasting change, drawing on foundational learning as one example of where evidence and solutions exist but progress at scale remains challenging. The conversation will culminate in the launch of ONE Academy, ONE’s flagship platform designed to equip the next generation of African leaders with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to champion solutions across Africa’s most pressing development priorities.